Interview: 2017 Kentucky WR CJ Hayes Updates Michigan State Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Life changing decisions are not always simple to do or easy to make, especially when the heart is being pulled into two different directions on said situation. For Class of 2017 wide receiver/do-everything athlete CJ Hayes, the decision to commit to and sign with Michigan State was easy but the process and decision was anything but.
Hayes was slowed by a shoulder injury during his senior season but quickly made up for lost time showing why he was one of the best athletes not only in the state of Kentucky but in the nation in 2016. In limited action, Hayes tallied 55 receptions for 855 yards with 12 touchdowns showing his playmaking abilities on offense. His work on defense helped push his South Warren High School squad to a 9-5 finish making a three-game run into the playoffs before a tough 33-16 loss to eventual state runner-up Franklin-Simpson. The 6-3, 200 pound, standout at safety racked up 30 tackles and five interceptions taking two back to the house for a score to close out his senior season.
In all, 29 offers were set in front of Hayes to choose from giving him a world of opportunities and some tough choices. On June 30, Purdue snagged Hayes’ commitment getting the underrated three-star prospect. As the recruiting process twists and turns, another Big Ten school got heavily into the mix – Michigan State. After numerous unofficial visits to the Boilermakers, so much so it would not be surprising if he had keys to the weight room, and a great relationship with the staff, Hayes had to make a gut-wrenching decision. On Jan. 27, Hayes officially visited Michigan State taking a couple of days to think over his decision decommitting from Purdue on Jan. 31 with a prompt commitment to the Spartans.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Hayes finding out what led him to commit to the Spartans.
Interview
CJ, congratulations on your commitment to Michigan State.
“Thank you.”
Before we get into the details, let set the stage. How many offers did end up receiving?
“Twenty-nine.”
Which schools did you officially visit?
“Purdue and Michigan State.”
What did you do on your official visit to MSU?
“I started out on a tour of the campus and the dorms. After that I talked to all the players getting their feedback. We went to the player’s lounge and weight room.”
When did you take your visit to MSU?
“Over the weekend. From Friday through Sunday.”
With all of the options you had, how did you narrow down your opportunities before making a final decision?
“Michigan State has been my dream school since sixth grade. I know Purdue really well because I had been there so many times. It was a tough decision.”
Knowing MSU is your dream school, what else led you to commit to the Spartans?
“Michigan State provides a great opportunity to play against top competition and play on TV every Saturday. They have a great program.”
How did the commitment take place?
“The hard part was telling Purdue. I called them first. I told them I had to follow my dream and my dream school at Michigan State. They were not happy. I understand that. When I told Michigan State, I called Coach (Terrence) Samuel (receivers coach). He gave the phone to Coach (Mark) Dantonio (head coach). All of the coaches were clapping their hands and high-fiving one another.”
When did you actually commit to MSU?
“Yesterday (Tuesday, Jan. 31).”
How did it feel committing to your dream school?
“I felt relieved. I felt like I had accomplished a major goal of mine. Now I am going to my dream school which is Michigan State.”
How does the Spartans’ staff plan to use you in their system?
“As an outside “X” receiver.”
Did the coaching staff discuss playing time expectations with you?
“They said they would not have recruited me if I could not play as a freshman. I have a chance as long as I work hard.”
Did the coaches give you anything to work on this off-season?
“Yes, my speed and getting in and out of my breaks on my routes faster.”
CJ, what has been the most memorable part of National Signing Day for you?
“The most memorable part is knowing that I have done it. I’m happy to be done with all the recruiting stuff too. Now I can focus on high school.”
CJ, thanks for your time today and good luck at Michigan State.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Hayes family; CJ Hayes on NSD 2017.